Dressage & Jumping with the Stars 2010 has been a great success with horses and riders coming from all over Australia to compete in Werribee, Victoria. For many horses taking part in these competitions and equestrian events is connected with many long and stressful hours on a float or in a truck. After spending a day or a half cramped in a tight horse float, you simply cannot expect your horse to step out relaxed and perform at its best. Also, some of the common Australian float types are often found to be not only too narrow and but also too low in height for the bigger frames of Warmbloods. As a result horses can become claustrophobic and will be reluctant at best or simply refuse to step into the float again.

Andrea Beatty of the NSW-based Saffron Stables has found a solution to the problem. Saffron Stables is a boutique horse stud breeding international quality dressage horses. Their breeding program is built on imported German stock from Performance Sales International (PSI), Germany and APH mares. Andrea has invested in a Boeckmann float to help her horses overcome any transport problems. Follow her story here:

"Andrea Beatty was nervous, very nervous. She had discarded her faithful old horse truck for a brand new Boeckmann ‘Mega Master’ float and now she faced her first long trip taking her  4 year old horse  SS Sonata Hit and her Advanced level mare  Weekend Feeling  from her home base in Arcadia (north of Sydney) down the Hume Highway to Werribee for the Young Horse Championships at the recent Dressage & Jumping with the Stars. However, worry soon turned to joy when her horses traveled beautifully and arrived relaxed and happy at Werribee after the long journey.

Andrea’s trainer and rider, Rodney Martin was able to give them a good look around the National Equestrian Centre and soon enough it was time for the 4 year old classes.

The result sheets show that Andrea’s entry, SS Sonata Hit,  finished first  and even gaining a perfect 10 from the guest rider, Ton de Ridder.

Of course, there were huge celebrations because Rodney Martin also finished 3rd in the 4 year old championship with Sue Goodwin’s horse Rossini. Meanwhile, Matthew Dowsley, who also trains for Andrea, won the 6 year old final with his wonderful stallion San Jose and was subsequently declared the Champion of Champions - with SS Sonata Hit in 2nd place!

All in all a perfect weekend in Werribee.

The trip home presented no problems either and all horses and people are back in their home environment. When questioned about the new float, Andrea was effusive in her praise, “This is simply the best float anyone can ever imagine. I truly had to keep reminding myself that I had a float behind, it towed so easily and smoothly. A very safe feeling. There was plenty of room for my horses and plenty of room for all the gear needed for a week away. I am now a huge fan for the German made Boeckmann floats and I am so pleased I made the decision to get one.”

To find out more about Boeckmann horse floats, click here.